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What to do? What to do?

I suppose I should be using CO2 with it but I don't want to. I have crypts, ludwigia and java ferns and none of them call for CO2. My problem began with green spot algae. I was told to increase ferts, which I did, but every darned time I try to increase the ferts, then here comes the BBA. I simply go from either the green spot or the BBA over and over again.

Today I decided I am done with this nonsence and was going to remove one of my light bulbs only to learn that if you remove one bulb, neither will work. (My other two tanks are low light and totally trouble free with never any algae.)

I have been using Excel lately a few times a week at recommended doses but that doesn't seem to have helped, either. I don't want to overdose and simply have a temporary solution.

I could very easily tear all the tanks and substrate out of there, put in some gravel and branches and be done with it but I need a light for over the tank.
That brings me right back to the origninal problem. Lights.

The light is two 54 watt T5HO bulbs for a total of 108 watts. Such an easy solution if I could find a lower watt bulb to fit in this fixture.

The light is two 54 watt T5HO bulbs for a total of 108 watts. Such an easy solution if I could find a lower watt bulb to fit in this fixture.
What to do?
And where this is thread go? Technical or algae? LOL

Presuming the ballast is electronic, install T5NO lamps.
The electronic ballast will effectively "read the lamps" electrical characteristics and adjust down, for them. They will run a bit brighter and hotter than normal T5NO, but they will work.

Rasing the fixture might be the easiest and most cost effective solution

If you take your time to do the research FIRST, you can successfully set-up and keep ANY type of aquarium with ease."Not using a quarantine tank is like playing Russian roulette. Nobody wins the game, some people just get to play longer than others." - Anthony CalfoFishless CycleCycling with FishMarine Aquarium Info [URL="http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.com/"]

Have you tried splitting your photo period up with an hour of darkness in the middle of it? That defeats some algae.

Gas mileage isn't everythingOIIIIIIIOLack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.Why pretend there are no stupid questions? Actually, There are many stupid questions: "Should I drink this bleach?" Is just one example.
Having said that, Just because it's a stupid question doesn't mean that it shouldn't be asked. It's better to know.A warm beer is better than a cold beer. Because nothing is better than a cold beer, and a warm beer is better than nothing.

I wouldnt put NO bulbs in a HO fixture...the rate of burnout alone would make it not really worthwhile. You may as well buy a T5NO fixture with the rate youd be replacing bulbs. You could also go to lowes/home depot and get 2 simple blocks of wood the width of the tank and put your mounting legs on that instead of the tank rim. Would give you some raise in height. The split photo period is also very effective. I do 4hours on 4hours off 4hours on for best results.